Right now I dont have to shave more than once or twice a week. I hate shaving.
Are there any foreseeable problems using a safety razor with longer facial hair? Its certainly not beard length but is more than stubble.
Also, are badger brushes considerably superior to boar?
Thanks all.
Posted Mar 6, 2012, 3:58 AM UTC
Badger vs boar is a ymmv thing. Some like both, some adore one or the other.
I currently have a horse hair brush and two badgers. Eventually I'll get a boar too.
I find more/longer hair with a DE is much easier than with a multiblade cart; a multiblade will clog much quicker because of the smaller blade gaps and pull a great deal on your face. You might have to make an extra pass with the DE with extra growth, but every drag on the first won't be torture at least. It's especially important in such a situation to remember that the initial pass isn't for total hair removal, but lessening. Don't obsess going over the same parts, just do a second with the grain pass if you need it.
Thanks. I have been reading up and figured that a couple of passes (at least) are required at any length.
I had the same problems you discussed with the multi cart. Clogged blades that lasted 1-2 uses but the face pain from pulling is terrible. It sounds like the DE is just a less painful and less expensive option.
Disclaimer: I'm still new to DE shaving.
I shave every 3-4 days. Like you, it's longer than stubble, but not a beard. I seem to get a better, less irritating shave when I let it get a little longer.
Also a noob... Well, 3 months in... I grow moderately quickly, and I only shave 2-3x weekly. So, more than stubble, less than a beard.
The only thing I would recommend is keep an eye on your blades and change more often. I've a full beard and only do neck and slight shaping, but I only use a blade for those 2-3 shaves then switch.
Greatest thing about DE shaving - the blades are inexpensive enough that even "expensive" ones can be used and disposed of with nary a qualm.
Badger is considerably superior to boar depending on the kind of lather product you're using. I typically find that boar brushes do a better job lathering puck soap.
Badger brushes have quality variants. Silvertip badger brushes are luxury for a reason.
I typically shave 3-4 times a week with a more than stubble beard. It works fine, but if you let your self go for too long, hairs can get stuck and pulled in weird places. If you let your beard go, make sure to go WTG multiple passes or use an electric shaver to trim your beard down to a reasonable length.
Was thinking puck soap. Most likely proraso. I'll probably shave 2-3x a week at most. But the hair does not get that long. I dont even get a 5 oclock shadow.
I think I'll stick to the cheaper boar brush for now. Can always upgrade later.
Thanks.
I only really shave a couple times a week myself, and I have no trouble.
That said, there are razors with a wider guard gap which are less prone to clogging (often adjustable e.g. Futur). Many people recommend open comb style razors for dealing with longer beards too.
I also shave only a couple of times a week (I don't grow that fast and don't have much time most mornings)
My DE works MUCH better for shaving when I'm long than my mach3 ever did. Cartridges clog really quickly and don't rinse as easily as the DE. The trick is to rinse often to clear the DE.
I've been using a Shick Krona which has "doors" that open by twisting the base of the handle. It makes it really easy to open and rinse the blade when it gets more clogged (easier than a Merkur or Edwin Jagger where the handle screws into the 2-piece head). I just got an Edwin Jagger and am loving it, but haven't clogged it up good yet. I just got it last Friday and haven't shaved since Saturday morning.
Oh, you hate shaving huh? Well that will change once you make the destined switch.
Don't even think about it, and make the switch, you will be closer to eternal bliss. And yes, badger is superior to boar.
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You are totally right about this.
For the first time ever I finally have NO acne after switching to DE shaving. I just turned 30 2 weeks ago and have had acne since I was 11.
I have not yet decided to shave my entire body, but I have been thinking about it.
I am shaving my wife's legs tonight for her after she takes a bath (it is her birthday today).